They no longer do Ovation FanClub™ tours at the factory, but the below referenced tour was I believe the origination of the term "gathering" for this group.  This press release appeared on their webpage, and in local and trade publications.

As the saying goes... "You Should Have Been There"

May 20, 2003

OVATION FACTORY HOSTS FIRST FAN CLUB GATHERING
Ovation guitar enthusiasts from across the country and from points as far as the United Kingdom, trekked to New Hartford, CT to visit the home of the Roundback guitar, for what marked the first Ovation Fan Club gathering. Ovation opened its doors to some of the guitar's biggest fans from the online Ovation Fan Club, started by Ovation enthusiasts Miles-Kevin Baron and Alexander Pepiak. Miles, a long time fan of Ovation's solid body and Storm series guitars, has a vast collection of Ovation instruments and memorabilia. Al is a huge fan of the Adamas guitar, and owns several, along with some rare and prototype Ovation models.

Ovation planned a busy day for their fans, beginning with a tour through the Ovation and Hamer workshops. After lunch, the fans participated in a question and answer forum and attended a session on custom guitar making. During the course of the day, fans received Ovation goody bags, and the chance to win a guitar. At the end of the day, all were invited to an Ovation jam, led by clinician Matt Smith. Guitars representing nearly 40 years of Ovation innovation were plugged in and brought to life throughout the evening.

One very special guest and fan in attendance was Bill Kaman, whose father Charlie invented the Ovation Roundback guitar in the 60s.